Home Again

I was working my shift at the general store when I heard the bell to the front door ring. "Welcome to Smith's General Store, if there's anything I can help you with just let me know!" I tried to sound as cheery as possible but my western accent always made it difficult. I didn't stop stocking the shelves  I know we're supposed to greet the customers with a smile and a warm welcome because it's store policy, but I hardly look at them anymore. I glanced at the cheap camera in the corner of the small store, sighing and looking at the customer so I didn't get fired.

"Erik.." I dropped the jar of strawberry jam I was holding at the sight of him. He'd disappeared for three years and then he just shows up at Smith's General Store. The jar shattered against the wooden ground and Erik turned to looked at my stunned self.

"Jessie?" He said, his Wyoming accent still thick. I forced my mouth to shut and my eyes to blink as I cleared my throat and nodded. He has that same crooked smile on his face as the day he told me he loved me. I looked down at the shattered jar and oozing jam and cursed under my breath before smiling and looking at Erik.

"Where've you been?" I asked, my voice harsh but my smile still on. I got closer so he could hear me whisper without drawing the attention of other costumers. He looked on the verge of crying as he grabbed my arm pulling me out of the general store into the hot Wyoming summer air. I tried my best to keep up with the pace he was pulling me.

We rounded the corner and he pinned me against the general store's wooden exterior wall. "Jessie..." He said, brushing a golden curl behind my ear. His voice quivered and he bit his lip before  he pressed his lips against mine in a deep, passionate kiss.

Oh this is the Erik I know... I thought. I couldn't help but wrap my arms around his neck and kiss him back. "Erik.." I cried softly, still wanting my explanation. Erik stopped almost instantly and forced his lips away from mine. There were tears in his eyes.

"Jessie.. I'm sorry.. I just wasn't as ready as I thought I was..." He trailed off sobbing into my shoulder. "I never should've just left you like that." It felt like my heart had been torn from my chest that day. But I guess it's true what they say about soul mates.

They can fix any broken heart.